OBIDOS
Recommended by a friend for a romantic dinner destination- we arrived sunburnt and knackered after a day on the neighbouring coast.
Obidos on this particular night was hosting their annual Medieval Festival. Entry free if dressed in theme, or 9euros for the cool kids who weren’t prepared to swap their rags for knights and princess costumes.

First things first …the setting of Obidos, is a castle town near to the renowned surf beach of Peniche, Portugal. (The knob protruding southwest from the landmass on any Portugal map) It’s a village that sits upon a hillside and is contained by ancient walls. Step inside to fairytale land. They pride themselves in creators of cherry liquor and on this particular night we had the most fun in a very long time.

Traditional medieval dining areas had huge communal tables and seating made from untreated wood, more suitable for giants or the three bears. The food was hearty, unfussed and typical of the 15th century. By no means was it a cheesy carnival; instead the showcase of artisans- their handcrafted goods and the entertainment from those who were truly spirits from the era.
The festival falls on a weekend on July annually. But Obidos is a must see year-round.

SUMMER - degrees of separation

Starting with...

Tis the season for the famous Italian delicacy ARTICHOKES. After sampling many a style at restaurants this month, I’ve tackled a few of the cooking methods at home. Guilia (fried) to Romanian (boiled).

I reckon I’ve almost mastered the art of Carciofi.... “Maybe” says my boyfriend; but anyhow shopping at the farmers markets and the slow act of peeling back succulent leaf; layer-by-layer to get to it’s scrummy heart… is all part of the fun.
Recipes for Carciofi alla Giudia here http://italianfood.about.com/od/artichokes

The 1st Degree.
I want a 1950s Poul Henningsen Artichoke Light, its kinda like an industrial/no frills version of a chandelier

The 2nd Degree

Design week Milan (a.k.a Fuorisalone)

After an aperitivo on the Ngavilio River we walked one street over to the Fuorisalone hotspot and thirsty metropolis of ZONA TORTONA. It was the opening of the well known weeklong design festival. The laneway was lined with carnival like objects. We sampled free drinks and played on the streets gimmicky interactive designs. My boyfriend was an energetic hamster as he powered me in a hammock that was driven by a giant running wheel. Galleries were still setting up, whilst others had their night of glory and guests. Door lists and cocktail dress was out in force, but invited or not there were plenty of hands filled with specialties.

Corso Como 10.

Looking forward to sidestepping my daily schedule I went to visit the Corso Como 10 gallery. I was in the neighbourhood and timed a visit between casting lines. Maison Martin Margiela's Jewellery has always struck a chord with me. As a student in Jewellery Design & Manufacturing I’ve always fancied M.M.M’s simplicity and uncontrived aesthetic.

But to be frank the offerings of Margiela were outdone by the original handmade creations on display at the neighbouring room of the Carla Sozzani Gallery. A collaboration with Artisan Display Artist Emanuele Marinoni and Jeweller Kris Ruhs provided a monstrous collection of hand-cut and crafted elegance with tribal tinted pieces. Works were made from beaten silver rusted brass, copper and gold. My favourites included tiered drop earring of filigree hearts; worn long in a single ear.

The 3rd Degree.

Following the jewellery exhibit The World Press Photography Awards now occupy Carla Sozzani's space. …http://www.worldpressphoto.org/. Photojournalism at its best... my fondness for National Geographic has been far surpassed with this touring show; with an aim of using M-Adult Only rated reportage photos as a more powerful medium than newspapers, mags and tv.

Exhibited photographs fit into the fields bellow:

General News

Sports Features

Contemporary Issues

Daily Life

Portraits

Arts and Entertainment

The 4th Degree

ABOVE MAGAZINE. The beautiful paper stock fast tracked this magazine to one of my favourites. It’s fantastic articles about environmental issues and new projects make magazines relying on “art for arts sake” so numb. Above Magazines reputed contributing photographers make it visually and journalistically elite. (considering you feel those like MJ are genious) see online here

The 5th Degree.
Printed Silks
From the glamorous headscarf wearers in Milan to the traditional adorning women of Morocco. I'm in love with Morocco. The land and people are a refreshing break from fretting European cities. Days in Moroccan towns run long over sipping mint tea, cooking Tanjine's and watching belly-dancing shows that tell ancient tales. Um do steer clear of Marrakech.

6th Degree

PATTERN PLAY; I’m learning to wear prints. Previously not a fan of brightly decorated fabrics (I learnt this ailment early on in becoming a clothes horse; clients who required me try on what looked like a bouquet of vomited petals were often met with my unenthused expression.) Tonal prints are on my wish list though. Patterns with strictly limited colours involved. Here are some of my favourites this season and for the forthcoming:

PS. And I want to dye my hair pink. My sister has gone a Papaya shade and it looks like way more fun than being blonde.

I catch the train to Rome most weeks, it has been the most simple of pleasures to watch the wild poppies grow. Just yesterday some asshole mowed the overgrown tracks.

FLIES, BUGS AND WILTING POSIES

Deco design. I have always had a fondness for art deco jewellery; I think this comes from my Mothers eye for incredible adornments (and no she isn't the type to style up her twin set with pearly bits).
Instead her choice is always a little more dark and haunting. Lately she has a perch for collecting pendants like wilting flowers and mysterious horses. My most favoured of her jewellery is a cameo styled scarab ring from her travels through Egypt.






Sipping cheap wine from plastic cups would be forever okay- if I had a fancy finger piece like these ones...



Although I'm accepting of any bejewelled creatures I prefer them not to be living, literally creeping or crawling would be just a little too much.

ALSO

• If you are after a pet you could try the Tenebrionid Beetle Brooch from Mexico; he doesn't need feeding, nor will he fly away and leave you- pin him close to your heart!
  
• If you're the scientific type maybe you would be interested in a Bombardier Beetle. These creatures give off a scent as a defence mechanism. Scientists and designers have arranged so we can fill beetle rings and pendants with pretty perfumes. Wearable technology for aroma delivery...www.smartsecondskin.com

Xx

And it's even better with english subtitles.

Madame de La Fayette's "La Princesse de Clèves" reworked by french director Christophe Honoré

LA BELLE PERSONNE [film], PEAR APPLES, THE WALKMEN [music], COEUR DE PIRATE [music], ONSENS IN THE NUDE, HOME MADE ADVENT CALENDARS, TOWER BOOKS TOKYO, FLORIDA SIGISMOND, MARTIN MARGIELA'S CUPROCK DISPLAY, RAG TAG STORES, CINNAMON, CERAMIC T/A COFFEE CUPS FROM MOMA DESIGN STORE, SUPERFUTRE [website], WHITE MAGIC [music], POEMS BY EMMA BELFOUR, FRACAS PERFUME, GREEN CURRY, THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES [film], THANK-YOU MART 390, MATT IRWIN FILM FOR ARMANI EXCHANGE, GARLIC CHILLI PEAS, GROWING A PILE OF XMAS GIFTS, CONCEALER, 100 DENIER STOCKINGS, THE SELBY [website], BEING HOME SOON xx.

1. Ueno Zoo- I was way more excited than this kid to see an assortment of beautiful, strange and interesting.
2. It's an okay coffee house we know as Starbucks; Ashamedly I’ve become a whore! It is the only reliable cafe frequenting the many corners of Tokyo city. The cashier staff sings your coffee order to the barrister staff, and then they all harp your order together in unity. Tsutaya Starbucks in Roppongi Hills is the best, with a comparatively decent selection of international magazines/ art books. It's not exactly the most the quaint of coffee spots or the cosiest of libraries; but the two commercial chain stores have joined nicely to serve a purpose.
   
3. Ginza Graphic Gallery; this place has a fast turn over of exhibitions, and if I have to time to waste in this pompous shopping district it is spent here. Recently showing prolific artists such as Alan Fletcher and MM Paris.
4. The seven dwarfs of Hiroo and the cities Christmas decorations by night.
5. Sora No Niwa; a very special restaurant with an imaginative menu of organic tofu and soy treats. I first dined at this place with a visiting friend, and have since gone back with friends ten fold. A delicious weekly ritual.
   
6. The Grand Park Hyatt's indoor swimming pool and spa.
   
7. Cosmic Wonder Aoyama Store; for a really whimsical retail experience. I felt like Alice in Wonderland opening suspense laden doors to reveal another world; that of the Cosmic Wonder closet. A hyper-minimalist and void-ish store offering a zen-esque retreat from the city outside. www.cosmicwonder.com
8. Barbecued corn on the cob; can be found at weekend stalls held in Harajuku's Yoyogi Park. The best way to cure a sore head on a Sunday is to eat festival food and revel in the hysterical acts of Yoyogi entertainers. My favourite stall holder even gives up his seat so you can 'dine in'; 400 yen well spent.
9. The Metro's endearing safety reminders.
10. And not to overlook the simple pleasures:
    

• A electronically heated toilet seat on a winters night.
  
• Drinking on the street from vending machines that sell cans of beer/ fruity sake mixers.

Xx